At 12 miles and 34 minutes, this is the longest Hornchurch test route and the only one reaching 70 mph on the A127 Southend Arterial Road. It heads north through Harold Wood before joining a dual carriageway section, then returns via Wingletye Lane. With zero roundabouts but 9 traffic signals, the challenge here is confident high-speed driving and smooth speed transitions from 30 all the way up to 70 mph.

Watch Out For

• A127 Southend Arterial Road. Dual carriageway at 70 mph. Merge safely, use mirrors frequently, and maintain lane discipline. This is the only 70 mph section across all Hornchurch routes.
• Speed transition zones near Wingletye Lane. Speed drops from 50 to 30 mph quickly. Watch for repeater signs and begin slowing early to avoid overspeeding.
• 50 mph approach to A127. Transition zone before the dual carriageway. Build speed progressively and check mirrors before accelerating.

Route Features

• 9 left turns, 7 right turns, 1 roundabout, 9 sets of traffic lights.
• Longest route from Hornchurch at 12 miles. Nearly double Route #422 (6.2 miles)
• Speed range 30-70 mph across 5 different speed zones
• 1 roundabout, the fewest of any Hornchurch route along with Route #425
• 16 turns total (9 left, 7 right) through Ardleigh Green Road and Bird Lane

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near High Street after returning from the A127 section.

Key Tips

• On the A127, reach 70 mph confidently. Driving too slowly on a dual carriageway is a fault for not making progress.
• Use the two-second rule for following distance at higher speeds. Increase this gap in wet conditions.
• Practise smooth acceleration through 30, 40, 50, and 70 mph transitions. Jerky speed changes attract faults.